Newsletter
Volume 29 | 2006 | Number 1
Behavior Analysis Association of Michigan
Special Convention Update: BAAM Convention March 23-24, 2006
By James T. Todd, Ph.D.
Convention Registration Deadline
Please don’t forget that the deadline for on-line registration for the 2006 Convention of the Behavior Analysis Association of Michigan (BAAM) is March 17. After that, you can still register in person at the BAAM site. A $5 same-day fee will be added. See the BAAM Web site (http://www.baam.org) for the convention schedule and other information.
Special 20th Anniversary Keynote Speaker, Murray Sidman
BAAM is proud to feature Murray Sidman as its 20 th Anniversary Keynote Speaker, author of the behavior classics, Tactics of Scientific Research and Coercion and Its Fallout. Sidman’s talk, “Why Isn’t Everybody Like Us?” asks why everybody does not agree with the proposition that a scientific approach to problem solving and treatment provides the best opportunity for success. Relevant considerations might include the popular conception of what scientists do, what kinds of people scientists are, how they present their case, and what changes they are asking people to make in their own lives.
This event will take place on Thursday, March 23 at 9 p.m. in Eastern Michigan's Pease Auditorium.
Mark Sundberg Special Invited Workshop on Verbal Behavior Training
Please don’t forget about our special invited workshop by Mark Sundberg on “Recent Advances in the Use of Verbal Behavior for Language Assessment and Intervention.” This workshop is being offered in a special one-day format at a reduced rate especially for BAAM attendees. This is an excellent opportunity for students, parents, and professionals to learn some important information and techniques from one of the pioneers of in the behavioral treatment of verbal behavior problems.
John and Barbara Esch Invited Workshop on ABA Errorless Learning: Teaching Children with Autism
This interactive workshop is designed for teachers (also trainers and teacher-technicians), teacher supervisors, parents, and others who are interested in applying ABA errorless learning procedures to instruction for children with a diagnosis of autism or other developmental disabilities. The goal of errorless learning is to prevent student errors in responding for early learners. Early learners are those children who have not yet acquired strong repertoires of verbal (e.g., mand, tact, intraverbal) and nonverbal (e.g., following instructions, visual performance) skills.
Convention Location
BAAM will be held this year in the Eastern Michigan University McKenny Union Building on West Cross in Ypsilanti, Michigan, just 75 yards west of the famous Ypsilanti Water Tower. This venue offers us some options not available at the previous location that we hope will enhance your experience, such as lower registration costs.
BAAM will provide rolls, bagels, coffee, and juices for registrants between 8 and 9 a.m. on Thursday and Friday morning (while quantities last). Light hors d’oeuvres will be available during the Friday poster session. Food and other refreshments can also be purchased in the convention facility at the McKenny Union Lobby Shop, Club Cappuccino, Wendy’s, Pumpernickel’s Deli, Taco Bell, and Toss Up Salad Shop. A number of quality restaurants are just a short walk or drive from the site. Free parking will be available at the convention site, courtesy of BAAM.
Convention Accommodations
BAAM does not have an official convention hotel, but several area establishments have rooms at reasonable rates. The BAAM Web site has a partial listing of nearby hotels, motels, and bed and breakfasts.
Special Thanks
Special thanks to the approximately 350 signatories to the BAAM’s Resolution on Facilitated Communication for supporting science in autism treatment. This signatory effort has brought BAAM worldwide attention and praise as a leader in the promotion of humane science-based treatments for developmental disabilities. For more information on the resolution, or to become a signatory, see the BAAM Web site.
Web Site News
BAAM has added a number of new features to its Web site (http://www.baam.org), including a section on book reviews, behavior analyst FAQs, educational materials, and other items. If you would like to contribute items consistent with BAAM’s statement of purpose, use the facilities on the site to do so. This is a good opportunity for students to practice writing skills. Contributions accepted for posting on BAAM’s Web site will be credited.